The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers

Hosted by Alberta Beef Producers

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Aug 2025

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About the show

Join our hosts as they interview researchers, ranchers, ABP delegates and staff, chefs, nutritionists, and others all along the beef supply chain. You’ll hear content as diverse as the guests who bring it – from cooking beef to managing pastureland, the latest tech to great entertainment, cattle markets to weather predictions, and more. You'll feel motivated to level up your farm management, try new recipes, and perhaps find some entertainment for a long drive.

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46 recent

August 5, 2025Episode 1429 min

Forecasting the Unpredictable: Alberta’s Wild Weather

Send a textWhen it comes to weather in Western Canada, unpredictability is the only constant! Kara Mastel sits down with veteran meteorologist David Spence to unpack Alberta’s wild 2025 weather—from early-season heat waves to record July rainfall. They explore shifting patterns that challenge old expectations, the “new normal” for drought and storms, and how AI is reshaping weather forecasting. Along the way, David shares insight on regional extremes, the delicate dance of rain and irrigation for agriculture, and what farmers might expect as summer winds down. Listen For:3:45 Alberta’s weather in 2025—rain here, drought there7:20 The “seasonal flip” that turned May hot and July wet9:35 When drought stops being unusual and becomes the new normal14:28 Will summer stretch into October? What fall could look like21:24 How AI is reshaping the future of weather forecasting GUEST: David Spence, retired Chief Meteorologist for CTVLinkedIn | X | WebsiteCONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email

July 15, 2025Episode 1329 min

From field to bale: Saving every nutrient

Send a textIs your hayfield ready — or are you risking a nutrient disaster? In this episode of The Bovine podcast, host Kara Mastel dives into the delicate art and science of haying under tough conditions with expert ruminant nutritionist Brianna Sentes from Beef Smart. They unpack when to cut for maximum protein and digestibility, how weather forecasts can help (or mislead) your timing, why cutting height matters for regrowth, and how to protect hay from mold and nutrient loss. Listen For:4:39 What Is NDF? And Why Should You Care?7:30 Haying in a Drought: Cut or Wait?11:08 Research Insights: How Cutting Height Affects Regrowth14:23 Tricks to Speed Up Dry Down25:10 Bale Size and Density: Surprising Impacts on Loss26:23 How to Avoid Hay Heating and Nutrient Burnoff GUEST: Breanna Sentes, Beef SmartWebsite | LinkedIn CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email

July 1, 2025Episode 1256 min

Dennis Laycraft reflects on four decades in the industry

Send a textWhat does it take to lead a nation’s cattle industry through crisis, change, and global acclaim—without ever losing sight of the ranch?Kara Mastel is joined by Dennis Laycraft—newly inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame—to reflect on his remarkable 40-year career championing Canada’s beef industry. From a childhood in the Porcupine Hills to national leadership roles, Laycraft recounts his navigation through watershed moments like BSE, international trade wars, and a global pandemic. He shares stories of resilience, innovation, and unity that helped elevate Canadian beef to world-class status and positioned the industry for a strong, sustainable future. Listen For:6:16 The Decade Canada Became an Export Powerhouse8:43 BSE Hits: The Industry’s Darkest Hour13:27 Canada’s Retail Rebellion and Barbecue Boom17:55 The Young Leaders Movement Begins27:46 McDonald’s, Cargill & The World’s First Sustainable Beef Claim34:56 Pandemic Adaptation & Drive-In Cattle Sales42:07 Today’s Market: Record Prices & Future GrowthGUEST: Dennis Laycraft, CCA Vice PresidentCCA | LinkedIn CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email

June 17, 2025Episode 1133 min

Brodie Haugan on the Value of Having Producers at the Trade Table

Send a textCan beef diplomacy really change the global dinner plate? In this episode of The Bovine, host Kara Mastel sits down with Brodie Haugan, former Alberta Beef Producers Chair and current Canadian Cattle Association rep, fresh off a whirlwind trade mission to Vietnam and the Philippines. From navigating chaotic intersections without crosswalks to barbecuing ribeyes for top Southeast Asian chefs, Brodie shares the highs, surprises, and valuable lessons from promoting Canadian beef on the world stage. This conversation offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at how Alberta’s cattle industry is forging relationships abroad, expanding markets, and ensuring that when global leaders sit down to eat, Canadian beef has a seat at the table too. Listen For:6:04 Why Southeast Asia? The Strategic Goal Behind the Trip 7:57 Demand: Cuts, Culture & Culinary Traditions 12:41 Boardrooms, Beef & Big Players: Connecting People 16:17 What They Asked: Supply, Not Sustainability 24:33 Efficiency Matters: Why Producer Presence Pays Off GUEST: Brodie Haugan. Co Chair Domestic Agriculture Policy and Regulations Committee, Canadian Email | CCA CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email

June 3, 2025Episode 1031 min

Tyler Fulton on CCA Priorities and Industry Leadership

Send a textHow do you lead 60,000 cattle operations and still make time for TikTok? Tyler Fulton might have the answer.Kara Mastel sits down with the newly minted President of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) to talk about his whirlwind entry into the role, what it’s like balancing a cow-calf operation while representing ranchers on the national stage, and why trade advocacy and producer engagement are more important than ever. From urgent trade talks in Washington to grassroots outreach via social media, Tyler shares how relationships — not just regulations — drive the beef industry forward.Listen For:5:03 Taking the reins during a trade war7:27 Why building trust matters more than logic in policy advocacy9:10 Engaging producers through social media13:09 Trade as the industry's existential challenge16:20 Why now is both the most profitable and riskiest time for beef22:59 U.S. remains irreplaceable, even with tariffs24:54 Tyler’s advice to young producers: network and speak up GUEST: TYLER FULTONWebsite | LinkedIn | X Tyler, the current President of CCA, became involved with the organization through his work with the Manitoba Beef Producers. He advocates for cattle farmers and ranchers, emphasizing their role in sustainable food production and aiming to improve Business Risk Management programs in Canada. Tyler, along with his wife Dorelle and their children, operates Tyton Farm Ltd near Birtle, Manitoba, managing 600 cow-calf pairs and a small backgrounding lot. Their farm spans about 5,500 acres, integrating hay, corn, and grain production with their cattle operation.CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email

May 20, 2025Episode 941 min

The Role of Soil Microbiomes in Forage Growth

Send a textWhat if the secret to better beef starts underground? Kara Mastel is joined by Dr. Jonathan Bennett, associate professor of Plant Ecology at the University of Saskatchewan, to unearth the science behind soil microbiomes and their powerful impact on forage productivity and beef sustainability. Recorded following the Beef Research Showcase at Lakeland College, the conversation dives into how microbes influence plant health, how cultivar selection affects microbe interactions, and why breeding plants for better microbial relationships could revolutionize pasture management. From drought resilience to salinity tolerance, Dr. Bennett sheds light on how invisible organisms may hold the key to future-proofing our beef industry—all without a microscope Listen For:04:47 – The Soil Microbiome’s Role in Forage Yields09:05 – Optimizing Plant-Microbe Interactions16:25 – Can Microbes Help Saline Pastures?29:37 – Heritability and Breeding for Microbial Compatibility35:32 – Giving Power Back to the ProducerGUEST: Dr. Jonathan BennettWebsite Dr. Jonathan Bennett is an Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in plant ecology with a focus on plant-soil interactions and invasive species management. He holds a PhD from the University of Alberta and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Tartu and the University of British Columbia-Okanagan. Dr. Bennett's research aims to enhance our understanding of ecological processes in grasslands, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem conservation.CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email

May 6, 2025Episode 831 min

Spring grazing: Timing and Strategy for Healthy Pastures

Send a textIs your pasture really ready for the herd? Spring grazing may seem as simple as "green means go," but it’s far more nuanced than that. Kara Mastel welcomes David MacTaggart, Senior Agriculture Advisor with Strathcona County, to unpack the critical considerations for turning cattle out in spring. From the risks of early grazing and nitrate concerns to rotational grazing strategies and environmental stewardship, David shares practical, science-backed insights for producers. They also discuss how to tailor grazing plans to weather extremes like drought, assess forage nutritional quality, and balance herd health with land resilience. This episode equips producers—new and seasoned alike—with the knowledge to make smart, sustainable spring grazing decisions.Listen For:03:24 — Why spring grazing matters09:59 — Spring frost and nitrate concerns14:06 — Why rotational grazing is especially important in spring21:25 — Is bloat a worry with green pastures?GUEST: David MacTaggart, Agriculture Initiatives SpecialistLinkedIn | XCONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email

April 22, 2025Episode 735 min

Valuegraphics 101: Why people really care

Send a textWhat if everything you thought you knew about connecting with people was missing one key ingredient? Kara Mastel sits down with renowned human values expert David Allison, the founder of the Valuegraphics Project, to explore how understanding core human values—not just demographics—can revolutionize communication in agriculture and beyond. Fresh off his keynote at the Alberta Beef Industry Conference, David shares how values like financial security, personal growth, and happiness are the real drivers behind public support and behavior. With practical examples and a compelling look at how values-based storytelling can shape perception and build industry allies, this episode is a powerful playbook for beef producers—and anyone—looking to truly connect with audiences.Listen For:01:27 – What Are Valuegraphics?08:56 – Beef = Financial Stability? Let’s Talk Economics17:43 – Talk About What Works: The Three-Value Rule28:31 – Demographics Reinforce Stereotypes—Here’s the FixGUEST: David AllisonWebsite | LinkedIn David Allison is a human values expert, CEO of a global research firm, and 2X best-selling author. As the founder of the Valuegraphics Project, he created the first global inventory of core human values, transforming them into measurable data. David helps major brands like PayPal, Google, and the United Nations Foundation connect with people by honouring their values.His work is featured in college textbooks and prominent publications like Harvard Business Review and Forbes. His latest book, The Death of Demographics, has been praised as "convincing, insightful, and revolutionary."CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email

April 8, 2025Episode 629 min

The future of water in Western Canadian agriculture

Send a textWhat happens when climate change, glaciers, and agriculture collide in Western Canada? Dr. John Pomeroy, a world-renowned hydrologist and lead of the Global Water Futures program, explores how water systems are shifting in the face of climate change—and what it means for producers, ecosystems, and future planning. From snowpack and glacier melt to drought prediction, irrigation stress, and even COVID wastewater detection, this conversation dives into both the science and the stakes of water management on the Prairies and beyond. With surprising findings, promising innovations, and a candid look at what's coming down the pipeline, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who depends on water – everyone.Listen For:03:23 – Building Canada’s First National Water Model07:10 – The Future of Irrigation in Southern Alberta18:58 – Smarter Crops, Smarter Irrigation: What Tech Can Do22:41 – Balancing Agriculture and Natural EcosystemsGUEST: Dr. John PomeroyWebsite | LinkedIn Dr. John Pomeroy is the Director of the Global Water Futures Programme and its follow-on, the Global Water Futures Observatories Project, at the University of Saskatchewan. He holds multipole prestigious titles, including Canada Research Chair in Water Resources and Climate Change, UNESCO Chair in Mountain Water Sustainability, and Distinguished Professor of Geography. Dr. Pomeroy is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the American Geophysical Union, and the Royal Geographical Society. He has received numerous awards, including the Walter Langbein Lecture Award and the Miroslaw Romanowski Medal. This research focuses on snow hydrology, climate change impacts, and water quality, and he has authored over 400 research articles and several books.CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email

March 25, 2025Episode 529 min

From cattle rancher to industry leader: Doug Roxburgh intends to make a difference

Send a textHow do you lead a billion-dollar industry while feeding cattle on the weekend? Meet Doug Roxburgh, the newly elected Chair of Alberta Beef Producers.From his humble beginnings as a first-generation cattle producer to his deep dive into the world of "cattle politics," Doug shares his passion for the beef industry, the challenges ahead, and his bold vision for Alberta's producers. Host Kara Mastel guides us through a wide-ranging conversation on everything from tariffs and trade to weather outlooks, business risk management, and the importance of strong communication. Whether you're deep in the industry or just beef-curious, this episode offers a rare inside look at leadership on the frontlines of Alberta agriculture.Listen For:07:15 – Fixing the communication gap15:04 – Wildlife and regional farming realities20:48 – Navigating tariffs and global uncertainty22:46 – Weather warnings and risk management tools26:15 – Doug’s message to producers: Get involved and stay informedGUEST: Doug RoxburghDoug Roxburgh is the Chair on the Board of Directors for Alberta Beef Producers. He resides near Rimbey, Alberta, with his wife, where they manage a first-generation cattle farm. They are involved in backgrounding their calves, marketing bulls and females, and raising commercial bread heifers. Doug also works as a senior nutrition consultant, assisting producers in creating year-round nutritional plans.CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email. ABP Daily | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Email